What is the best way to get to and from Bonaire if arriving via Aruba? Arrival is 1:30 PM and departure is 2:35 PM. I'd like to "secure" my reservation and even pay ahead of time. Any suggestions?

FYI: I just got off the phone with BE. (011+599+717-0707) Apparently their system is down (yesterday and today) and they cannot accept reservations until the problem is rectified. :-(

Bonnie, when you are actually able to make reservations, I suggest a later flight from Aruba to Bonaire. One hour and five minutes is not enough time to deplane, obtain luggage, clear customs, obtain actual ticket, re-check luggage and receive boarding pass, re-clear security and get to the gate, based on my experiences. Whew!:-{)}

Hi Bonnie,

If you're arriving in Aruba at 1:30 then you should be able to make the 5:00 pm BE flight to Bonaire so long as you don't get delayed anywhere for too long. On the return I think you'll be better off with the 8:00 am BE flight. If you go with the 11:00 and there is any delay you could be cutting it pretty close.

Good luck, my wife and I are going the same route as you.

Is there any other option than Bonaire Excel from Aruba to Bonaire? How about a small charter company? My flight gets in at 4:15 which is too close to the 5:00 BE flight and the 9:00 PM is a bit much getting to Bonaire at 10:30 which makes for a very long day from the States. Any suggestions/information?

Isnt there a later flight? I think there is. Check the website.

Anyone know why US agents can not book Bonaire Exel?

(Message edited by natasha on May 18, 2005)

I finally got through to Bonaire Express. The flight from Aruba to Bonair roundtrip cost me $170.50 each. You can call and make your reservation and pay with a credit card over the phone.

By the way, Tom, if you're reading this... my "departure" time was on my way home. We're shooting for the 5:00 flight out of Aruba. Let's hope it doesnt take THAT long to make the transition. :-)

Good luck everyone.

Of course I am reading this Bonnie. I try to read each and every post on this board.

It will not take that long to make the connections, I am sure. I would rather have a longer lay over planned, than feel rushed, or miss a connection.

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing:-{)}

Enjoy your next trip to Bonaire, whenever that will be. Thanks for the tips!

Thanks Bonnie, My next trip is October 11th to 26th. Staying at Red Slave, Villa #3;-{)}